Although painter Constance Ingalls has passed away, she's still supporting the arts in a big way.

Nearly 50 of Ingalls' paintings (including acrylic and watercolors) have been donated to the Mispillion Art League to help raise funds for MAL's art programs.

Her pieces are available for bid via MAL's silent auction, with an opening reception to be held Friday. MAL members' work will also be available for bid. Folks not interested in bidding can purchase any piece outright. The silent auction ends at 5 p.m. on Sept. 26.

While the majority of works for sale are of flower paintings, there are also a few hyper-realistic bird sculptures by MAL's Jack Camarote.

The donation of Ingalls' work not only represents hope that MAL will be able to continue offering art programs, but it also symbolizes a friendship that delves deeper than a paintbrush and canvas. Ingalls isn't a Milfordian. She was never a member of MAL, nor is her name prominent in this area. But Ingalls had a close friend in MAL's Joyce Brock, who she left her artwork to in her will.

Wanting to share Ingalls' work with the Milford community, while also helping MAL, Brock felt it was appropriate to donate her friend's work.

"I decided somebody needs to enjoy these," said Brock, of Laurel. "And Connie would be really happy to know this."